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30 January 2013 at 9:45pm

Bacon issues stark warning over 'cheap EU pork'

Europe is "awash" with cheap pork produced illegally and the Government needs to act to stop Britain's pig farmers being undercut and to prevent illegal meat entering the UK, Conservative MP Richard Bacon has warned.

The Tory MP for South Norfolk, told the Commons that non-compliance among some EU member states with a pig welfare directive was forcing down the price of pork and other pig products on the continent, adding pressure to Britain's already hard-pressed pig farmers.

He said: "In short, Europe is awash with cheap pork produced illegally, forcing down the price of pork and other pig products and adding more pressure to Britain's already hard-pressed pig farmers who are complying with the law, unlike many of their big competitors."